Young people across Reading have been finding out their A/AS level results this morning (Thursday 18 August).

This year’s candidates are the first to sit exams since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students in 2020 and 2021 had their grades assigned by teachers.

AS/A-level students would still have had their learning disrupted by the pandemic and should feel proud of their achievements under difficult circumstances.

Young people on some B-Tec vocational courses and those who have taken the first T-levels, a post-GCSE technical qualification, will also receive their results today.

Anyone disappointed with their results should take advantage of the support on offer, including Elevate careers service, run by Brighter Futures for Children, is open to offer advice and guidance for Reading students and there is a drop-in careers fair being held today between 11am-3pm in west Reading.

Brian Grady, Interim Director of Children’s Services and Director of Education at Brighter Futures for Children, said: “Young people receiving their results in Reading have demonstrated resilience, focus and learned new ways of learning throughout the pandemic. I applaud all of our Reading young people today and wish you every success for your future.

“I would also like to say thank you to the school leaders, teachers and support staff who have worked so hard to support their pupils through challenging times.

“For young people who may not have received the grades they were hoping for, I hope you take a moment to recognise how well you have risen to the challenge these past two years, and how this will stand you in good stead in the years to come. You are not alone and there will be many options for you to consider. Do please contact our advisors at Elevate careers service to help you think about how you can take the next steps to achieve your ambitions”.

Cllr Ruth McEwan, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health, said: “Congratulations to all the young people in Reading who received their exam results today. I wish them all the best in their next steps, whether that involves higher education, employment or training.

“If you did not receive the results you had hoped for, you should not feel disheartened as there are so many different options available. Do please contact our expert careers team at Elevate who can talk you through all the possible choices.”

The team at Elevate careers service can be contacted in the following ways:

Elevate is also running a drop-in summer careers event today to give young people living in Reading aged 16-19 (up to 25 for young people with special educational needs and /or disabilities) a chance to talk to local providers about college courses, training and employment opportunities.

The event is being held in partnership with New Meaning Berkshire at 28 Portman Road, Reading, RG30 1EA, between 11am-3pm.